Informational Blogs
You can’t plan an estate, make a will, or establish a trust without answering three key questions. These questions create the foundation of documents such as living wills, medical directives, and trusts. Before you begin your estate planning, answer these 3 Questions: Three Questions for Planning Your Estate Whom do you want to inherit your assets? The answer to this…Read More
There are several elements to an estate plan that are key to your family being taken care of and your financial goals. For our Peace of Mind Planning, I referred to it as "What Tools Do You Have in Your Personal Tool Shed?" Each component of a plan is like a tool designed to accomplish a specified task. You don't…Read More
Estate planning works differently when there are many high net-worth assets at stake. Many traditional strategies don’t work as well because of the complex issues and family dynamics involved. Estate Planning Goals, Trustees and Family Roles Here are are a few ways to navigate those issues in Washington while protecting your assets, your relationships and your family dynamics. Understand your estate’s…Read More
A living will, also called a health care directive, can state your wishes about life-sustaining treatment in the circumstances covered by Washington law. It differs from a durable power of attorney for health care, which names an agent to make authorized health care decisions. Sources: RCW 70.122.030; RCW 11.125.240(1)(l). An accident could happen at anytime. We see the reports everyday…Read More
Same Sex Marriage and Domestic Partnership in Washington. What does it all mean to you and do you need to do anything? That's a common question I get. Here is the short answer with the longer explanation below: If you are at least 18 years old, but not older than 62 years old, live in Washington and have a…Read More
In light of the Supreme Court Ruling in 2013 in which certain provisions of the Defense of Marriage Act ("DOMA") were stricken, things have changed dramatically for same-sex married couples in those States who already recognize same-sex marriages. The great news is that Washington is one of those States. Therefore, if you are legally married in Washington and you are…Read More
Talking to your children about bankruptcy Many parents who are going through bankruptcy don’t want to worry their kids with the financial details of mom and dad’s life. Yet, when there is stress in the home, the kids feel it, and it may worry them more that something is happening but they don’t know what it is. Social media throws…Read More
Not all bankruptcies are the same, and not all recoveries are, either. Your credit score can improve faster than someone else’s after bankruptcy depending on your financial behavior. In Washington, you can help your credit recover faster with these financial tips: Keep your credit reports up to date. Check your credit reports to make sure all your information has been…Read More
No matter what stage of life you’re in, you can plan for where you are. There’s no rule in Washington that says you need to be worth a certain amount before you can make plans for your estate. The truth is, even someone who’s single and just left home has something to lose if the worst happens. Be prepared with…Read More
Estate planning for your animals: where to start Whether you have a Westminster winner or a shelter sheltie, owning a pet is an investment of time, money and love. Trusts that provide for the care, expense and responsibility of caring for an animal after its owner passes are gaining in popularity in Washington state and all over the country. 3…Read More